Martin O'Neill Released from Hospital, Celtic Await Dugout Decision

Martin O'Neill has been released from hospital and is “in good form” after undergoing a small medical procedure, with Celtic adopting a cautious day‑to‑day approach over whether their manager will be on the touchline at Rugby Park on Sunday.

Assistant Shaun Maloney visited the 74-year-old on Wednesday night and painted an encouraging picture of the Celtic boss’ recovery ahead of the William Hill Premiership trip to Kilmarnock.

“I went to see him last night. He got out of hospital yesterday,” Maloney said. “He was in good form last night, loads better than he was Monday, Tuesday. Hopefully those sort of positive feelings continue.”

There is, however, no guarantee that O'Neill will be in the dugout at the weekend. Celtic are refusing to rush a decision.

“No timeline,” Maloney admitted. “So even for the game at the weekend, it's sort of day-to-day.

“We saw him last night, with regards to the preparation for the game and so he wasn't in today. I'll speak to him this afternoon and then he'll make a call for tomorrow and then I'd imagine he'll make the call for the game at the weekend.

“If it's this weekend, great, if it isn't, we'll prepare for it without him.”

The club had earlier moved to quell speculation with a brief statement confirming that O'Neill had undergone a “small procedure” and asking for space as he recuperates.

“In response to speculation, we can confirm that Martin O'Neill has undergone a small procedure in hospital,” read the statement on Celtic’s official website. “We would envisage Martin being released from hospital in the next day or two and on behalf of Martin, we would like to thank supporters for their kind wishes.

“We would ask that the privacy of Martin and his family is respected.”

For now, Celtic’s planning for Kilmarnock runs along two tracks: one with their manager back in his usual technical-area vantage point, the other with Maloney leading from the front while O'Neill continues his recovery away from the spotlight. The final call, as ever, will be his.